Bajazet by Jean Racine
Two Minutes, Dramatic
ACHMET: Would thou have me learn now at my age the worthless lore of love. And shall a
heart that years of toil have harden’d , blindly submit to follow vain delights. Nay, she attracts
my gaze with other charms; I love in her the blood of royal sires. Though this alliance to the
throne and brought nearby Bajazet, I thus secure a shield to guard myself against him. Some
offence is sure to rise, for scarcely has vizier been chosen ere the Sultan fears his creatures, and
greed or envy soon affects his ruin. To-day he honors me and courts my favor, the risk he runs
inclines his heart toward me.